Rānui man who died in West Auckland fire named as Andrew Mark Orr

Emergency teams rushed to the fire on Swanson Rd in Ranui but Andrew Orr was found deceased. Photo / NZ Herald

A “good guy with a big heart” who died in an unexplained fire in a former West Auckland caravan park has been named as Andrew Mark Orr.

The 55-year-old had been in a cabin that caught fire on Wednesday on Swanson Rd in Rānui.

Police were called to the fire at 4.41am.

“Tragically, a resident of the home was found deceased inside,” a police spokesperson said.

The victim was a notable figure at Western Village Park, where he lived for many years, park chief executive Brad Heaven said.

“He was a well-respected, long-term resident who certainly had his issues, but a good guy with a big heart.

“All we can say is that this is a tragic event for our community and our thoughts are with the deceased, his family and friends at this time.”

Police said initial investigations indicated the fire was not suspicious.

Emergency services are currently at the scene of a cabin fire at Western Park Village on Swanson Rd, Rānui. Photo / NZ Herald

“The scene exam has been completed and an investigation into the cause remains ongoing,” investigators said on Friday.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

The death will be referred to the Coroner.

Fire and Emergency NZ shift manager Ryan Geen said first responders found the 5mx3m cabin “well ablaze”, but the Henderson crew extinguished it.

Police cordoned off cabins at the caravan park. Photo / NZ Herald

Pictures from the scene show a police cordon around the fire-damaged cabin and groups of firefighters gathered at the scene.

Police, Fire and Emergency and Hato Hone St John attended the blaze. Photo / NZ Herald

At least two rows of nearby cabins were also cordoned off.

The fire required three trucks from Henderson and Te Atatū crews, and fire investigators were at the scene.

The fire occurred at Western Park Village on Swanson Rd, Rānui. Photo / NZ Herald

St John Ambulance said a rapid response vehicle and ambulance was sent to the scene.

Fire and Emergency said the service was alerted to the fire at 4.23am. Photo / NZ Herald

In 2016, a suspicious overnight blaze was reported in Western Park Village, where a caravan was engulfed by fire, though everyone inside escaped.

A policeman stands in a cordoned-off area at Western Park Village. Photo / NZ Herald

Western Park Village’s website says it primarily offers temporary housing for up to 300 people in the outer Auckland suburb, including cabins, units, trailer homes and powered sites, though some tenants become permanent residents.